Amping up the Competition
ADM’s Amp Jazz getting ready to perform at Iowa Vocal Jazz Champs at Valley High School. Members were excited for a second nomination, since last years performance was cancelled. Senior Hannah Joens said, “it’s very exciting to be a part of a team that accomplishes big things!”
It was recently announced that ADM’s Varsity Jazz Choir, Amp, was selected for Iowa Vocal Jazz Champs. This is a selective competition for the top eight jazz choirs in each school size. It is an extreme honor to be able to perform at this event, and to get the chance to compete with other top schools. This event will be hosted at Valley High School, on March 30. Amp’s exact performance time is still TBT.
This years members include Sean Whitson (12th), Paige Jansen (12th), Brennan Mcgee (12th),Megan Olson (12th), Cascio Riker (12th), Hannah Joens (12th), Kalie Dalen (12th), Sarah Denherder (11th), Averi Brady (11th), Micheal Payne (11th), Maya Shirley-Brown (11th), Quinton Kimery (11th). In addition to the vocalists, Nick Blum (11th) on bass, Celia Kreifels (10th) on drums, Heidi Freidhof on piano, and Director Becca Cassel.
This is the second year in a row this group has been honored with being a part of this competition, however, last year’s season ended so abruptly due to Covid-19, and the group didn’t get to perform. Junior Maya Shirley-Brown said that this was “redemption season” for the group since a lot of previous members were returning to make up for last year. Seniors of the group are especially excited to end their last jazz season with a bang.
They will be performing “No Moon At All,” arranged by Kirby Shaw, “If I Loved You,” arranged by Phil Mattson, and “Don’t You Worry About a Thing,” arranged by Kerry Marsh. Multiple soloists are featured in each song, creating variety throughout their set-list. Something that sets them apart from other groups is that any member could be a soloist, which is a great strength to have.
When asked how Amp will rank in comparison to other schools, Senior Megan Olson a four-year member of jazz choir, said it was, “more about the honor of being chosen, but competing is always fun.”
And she’s not the only one who is excited about the honor.
Senior Sean Whitson said, “I was super excited when I heard that we had made Iowa Vocal Jazz Champs, it is a great experience to grow as a musician, and compete. And it is nice to know that we will be able to perform together one last time.”
